On Saturday while in Bistrita labor minister Gheorghe Barbu said: "The context is favorable to PD (the Democrat Party) due to president Traian Basescu. If the case, PD can rule all on its own in the future." The PD leader opined it was the wish of any party to rule on its own, which was not possible at present. Mediafax cites Barbu mentioning: "This is the most favorable time for PD to become the main political force in Romania, due to president Traian Basescu, who is a representative of PD, even if constitutionally he is no longer allowed to express this publicly." Barbu claimed the president's connection to PD couldn't be broken at least as far as political orientation was concerned. As for the fusion with the Liberals, the vice president of PD claimed the latter should be more flexible if they wanted fusion. But he added PD was willing to have talks with smaller people's parties. Barbu outlined: "Our chances are incredibly great. It is up to us to achieve that large party. (...)" Liberals are worried about the Democrats' statements Liberal senator Norica Nicolai said in yesterday's news conference that his party was worried about the Democrats' statements, which brought a different light on the relations of PD with PSD (the Social-Democrat Party) and PRM ("Great Romania" Party). She explained: "What PD vice president Gheorghe Barbu said confirms the statements of PSD leaders Miron Mitrea and Ilie Sarbu on collaboration with PD for a future government."(...) Norica Nicolai also mentioned Alliance leaders would talk about the statements of PD leaders to make things clear. (O.B.)